Best Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaners 2023: Reviews and Guide
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Wondering which Dolphin robotic pool cleaner is right for you?
You’ve come to the right place.
Maytronics, the maker of Dolphin pool robots, sells more than two dozen models for in-ground and above-ground pools. Dolphin pool cleaners are incredibly popular and known for their smart and feature-packed designs.
For more reviews and pool robot buying advice, read our guide to the best robot pool cleaners (all brands).
Pool vacuum robots have taken the market by storm as they’ve made cleaning and maintaining swimming pools convenient.
To find the best equipment for the maintenance of your pool, check our guides to the 10 best robotic cleaners and best robotic in-ground pool cleaners.
What’s In This Buying Guide
Best Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaners
Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com
| Dolphin Pool Robot | Price | Pool Type | Dry Weight | Filter | Navigation | Weekly Timer | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dolphin Sigma | $$$$ | In-ground pools of up to 50ft | 24.6lbs | Fine and ultra-fine top-load cartridges | SmartNav 3.0 with gyroscopic navigation | Yes | Bluetooth |
Dolphin Quantum | $$$$ | In-ground pools of up to 50ft | 22lbs | Top-load filter basket with swappable fine and ultra-fine filters | SmartNav 2.0 with PowerJet 3D | Yes | None |
Dolphin Oasis Z5i | $$$$ | In-ground pools of up to 50ft | 24lbs | Fine and ultra-fine top-load cartridges | CleverClean with dual drive motor | Yes | Bluetooth |
Dolphin Premier | $$$$ | In-ground pools of up to 50ft | 22lbs | Bottom-load debris bag and dual fine and ultra-fine cartridges | SmartNav | Yes | None (remote available separately) |
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus | $$$ | In-ground pools of up to 50ft | 19lbs | Fine and ultra-fine top-load cartridges | CleverClean | Yes | None |
Dolphin Triton PS | $$$ | In-ground pools of up to 50ft | 16.5lbs | Top-load filter basket with fine and ultra-fine filters | PowerStream | Yes | None |
Dolphin E10 | $$ | Above ground pools of up to 30ft | 13.8lbs | Top-load filter basket with fine filter | CleverClean | No | None |
Dolphin Escape | $$$ | Above ground pools of up to 30ft | 13.8lbs | Top-load filter basket with fine filter | SmartNav 2.0 | No | None |
DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme | $$$$ | In-ground pools of up to 50ft | 24lbs | Fine and ultra-fine top-load cartridges | CleverClean | Yes | WiFi |
DOLPHIN Proteus DX3 | $$ | In-ground pools of up to 33ft | 13.8lbs | Fine top-load cartridges | CleverClean | Yes | None |
1. Dolphin Sigma: for Larger In-Ground Pools
Dolphin Sigma is one of the most advanced models from Maytronics.
It’s also one of the most expensive.
This full-featured pool robot vacuum is designed for larger in-ground pools up to 50 feet.
Key Features
Triple motor system: the Sigma has three motors that deliver plenty of power for mobility and cleaning. This pool robot easily climbs walls and effortlessly drives over pool features without getting stuck.
Quad brushes: Four brushes provide wider coverage and more thorough scrubbing compared to pool robots with one or two brushes.
Gyroscopic navigation: A 3-axis gyroscope monitors the robot’s positioning and orientation. This greatly improves Sigma’s cleaning ability, especially on the walls and waterline.
SmartNavTM 3.0 navigation system: Powered by the gyroscope, the SmartNav 3.0 system scans the pool to calculate the most optimal path and avoid going over the same areas repeatedly. The system also keeps the robot from getting stuck on the drain or steps.
Continuous rubber tracks: The rubber tracks provide a stronger grip on the pool surface, preventing slippage and improving cleaning efficiency. The robot can operate each track independently for maximum agility.
Large dual top-load cartridges: They hold plenty of debris and are easy to remove and clean. The filters have a convenient Snap LocTM design where the two sides of the cartridge snap apart with just a slight pull.
Bluetooth connectivity: You can link your smartphone to the Dolphin Sigma (as long as you are in range) and control it manually via the MyDolphin app. You can also set the auto-cleaning schedule and turn the robot on/off.
Weekly scheduler: Using the Dolphin app or the control panel on the power unit, you can set the Dolphin Sigma to start cleaning automatically at a set time every day, twice a week or thrice a week.
Limitations
- It’s expensive.
- It doesn’t clean the steps well (a common limitation with pool robots).
- No caddy included.
The Dolphin Sigma is Best for You If…
You want the best and most powerful robotic pool cleaner you can get.
2. Dolphin Quantum: for In-Ground Pools
Do you want a powerful and capable pool robot but think the Dolphin Sigma is a bit too pricey?
The Dolphin Quantum is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper but it’s cleaning ability is almost as good as the Sigma.
Though it lacks some of the advanced features in the Dolphin Sigma, it boasts a few unique features that boost its performance in the pool.
Key Features
Jet-driven mobility: Maytronics calls the jet drive in this unit Power Jet 3D. It consists of vortex jets on the side and top of the robot. The force of the water jets allows the Dolphin Quantum to move fast and efficiently around the pool. It can even move laterally on the pool walls for better cleaning (most robots can only move vertically).
HyperBrush dual scrubbing: Two brushes spin fast as the robot moves, dislodging algae and biofilm on the pool’s floor and walls.
Extra-large filter basket: The 400 square inch filter basket holds more dirt than most other pool robots. You don’t have to pull out the robot halfway through the cleaning to empty the debris.
Multiple filter options: Depending on what kind of debris you want to target, you can insert an ultra-fine filter for fine debris like algae or a standard filter for larger debris like leaves and twigs. It takes just a couple of seconds to swap the filters.
SmartNav 2.0: The SmartNav 2.0 navigation system guides the Quantum around the pool, ensuring 100% coverage and keeping it from going over the same areas twice.
Rubber tracks: These are the same strong-grip tracks found in Sigma. They greatly improve mobility over obstacles and on the walls.
Weekly scheduler: Using the control panel on the power unit, you can set the Quantum to clean daily, 2x a week, or 3x a week.
Limitations
- Though cheaper than Sigma, Quantum still crosses the $1,000 mark.
- You might struggle a bit to lift the 27.2-pound robot out of the water. It’s also tedious to carry to and from storage. Unfortunately, a caddy is not included.
The Dolphin Quantum is Best for You If…
You are looking for a powerful and capable Dolphin robotic pool cleaner for your in-ground pool.
3. Dolphin Oasis Z5i
This is another good option if you need a powerful pool cleaner. It’s about as pricey as the Dolphin Sigma and matches its cleaning performance as well.
It’s one of the Bluetooth-connected models in the Dolphin lineup.
Key Features
Powerful dual drive motor: The motor can operate each track individually, allowing the Dolphin Oasis to turn on a dime. This greatly improves mobility and cleaning performance especially on the wall, along the waterline and in corners.
Dual scrubbing brushes: The brushes loosen dirt and algae on the walls, floor, and waterline.
Dual filtration: Yet another ‘dual’ feature. Two variable micron filters improve filtration performance by capturing coarse, fine and ultra-fine particles. The filter cartridges are large and easily accessible from the top.
CleverCleanTM navigation: Instead of wandering randomly, the Dolphin Oasis uses CleverCleanTM technology to map out your pool and select the best cleaning path. It can also sense obstacles and knows where it has yet to clean.
Swivel cable: This keeps the power cable straight and tangle-free.
Bluetooth connectivity: As long as you are in range, you can connect your phone to the Dolphin pool robot and control it via the MyDolphin app. You can do some spot cleaning by manually steering the robot, activate the weekly timer and switch it on or off.
Weekly scheduler: Using your phone or the control panel on the power unit, you can set the Dolphin Oasis to clean daily, every other day or every third day.
Limitations
- Pricey
- No caddy included.
The Dolphin Oasis Z5i is Best for You If…
You are looking for a powerful Dolphin pool robot that will reliably clean every inch of your pool (except the steps).
4. Dolphin Premier: Best New Model
The Dolphin Premier comes with the same powerful cleaning performance as the other top Dolphin models but lacks some advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and gyroscopic navigation.
But you still get a decent selection of features including a weekly timer, a smart navigation system, and interchangeable filtration media.
The Premier is in the same $1,000+ range as the above models. So if you are looking for a budget Dolphin pool robot, this is not it.
Key Features
Powerful twin DC motors: Dual 24v motors power the robot’s mobility as well as the brushes and suction. Though powerful, they are energy efficient, using up to 90% less energy compared to traditional automatic pool cleaners.
Dual scrubbing brushes: The spinning brushes attack dirt and algae on the floor and walls.
Complete coverage via SmartNav system: The SmartNav navigation system ensures the Dolphin Premier scrubs every inch of the pool including the floor, walls, and waterline. The only place you need to manually clean are the steps.
Multimedia: The Dolphin Premier comes with three filter options. If your pool is very dirty, use the oversized debris bag. It’s the best for capturing leaves, twigs, bugs and other large pieces of debris. For everyday cleaning, use the micro and standard cartridges (they go in the robot together). They capture smaller particles like algae and fine sand.
Swivel cable: The robot won’t during cleaning.
Weekly timer: You can set the robot to automatically clean on specific days even when you are not home.
Limitations
- Instructions are vague.
- Heavy – it’s tedious to lift it out of the pool and carry it to and from storage.
- Bottom load filters — you have to turn the robot over to remove them.
- The filter bag is a hassle to clean.
The Dolphin Premier is Best for You If…
You want a powerful Dolphin pool robot with multiple filter options to deal with different kinds of debris.
5. Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus: Proven & Reliable
If you are looking for a sub-$1,000 in-ground Dolphin pool cleaner, the Nautilus CC Plus is a good choice.
With features like CleverClean smart navigation, dual scrubbing, and a weekly scheduler, the Nautilus CC Plus is one of the best value Dolphin robotic pool cleaners.
There are some complaints about build quality (robot keeps shutting down, swivel on the cable allows water through and others) but as long as you buy it from Amazon, you should be okay.
If the Dolphin cleaner develops a problem, it’s easy to return it or get it repaired under warranty.
Key Features
CleverClean smart navigation: The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus maps your pool’s size and outlines to calculate the most optimal cleaning pattern. The CleverClean navigation system also ensures it doesn’t miss a spot.
Dual scrubbing brushes: The spinning brushes remove dirt and debris stuck on the walls and floor.
Large top-access cartridges: You don’t have to turn the robot over to remove the filter cartridges. The top-access design makes maintenance easy. There are two filter cartridges, one with ultra-fine filters to capture fine debris and the other with standard fine filters to capture larger particles.
Weekly scheduler: You can set the Nautilus CC plus to clean daily, every other day or every 3rd day.
Limitations
- The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus seems to have some durability issues with several customers complaining that their units stopped working after a few months. But this seems to affect some units only. Make sure you buy on Amazon and get a valid warranty to protect your purchase.
- Vague instructions
- No caddy
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus is Best for You If…
You are looking for a powerful but slightly cheaper (under $1,000) Dolphin pool robot for your in-ground pool.
6. Dolphin Triton PS: for Walls and Complex Surfaces
This is another good option if you are looking for a Dolphin pool robot that costs less than $1,000. Especially if you need to clean algae blooms from your walls and complex surfaces.
The lower price tag does not mean lower cleaning performance, however. The Triton PS leaves your water, floor, walls, and waterline clean in just 2 hours.
You also get a weekly scheduler, water jet-powered mobility and an extra-large filter basket with fine and ultra-fine filters.
Key Features
PowerStream Mobility: The Triton PS produces jets of water from the sides and top for easier mobility and to strengthen its grip on the wall. This ensures the robot can reach and scrub every part of the pool including the floor, walls, and waterline.
Extra-large top-load filter basket: The Triton PS boasts one of the biggest filter baskets. It can hold a lot more debris than other pool robots, eliminating the need to empty it midway through a cleaning.
Fine and ultra-fine filtering: The Triton PS uses fine and ultra-fine filters to capture all the debris in the pool from the tiny algae and sand to large leaves and sticks.
Active brushing: The front brush spins faster than standard brushes, giving the Triton PS extra power against stubborn algae and dirt on the pool wall and floor.
Swivel cable: The anti-tangle cable ensures the robot moves freely around the pool.
Weekly scheduler: The Triton PS has the same scheduling options as other Dolphin models — daily, every other day or every third day.
Limitations
- Lacks a smart navigation system – it takes longer to clean the pool though it still manages to clean most of the pool.
- Doesn’t clean the steps, a common limitation with robotic pool cleaners.
The Dolphin Triton PS is Best for You If…
You are looking for a Dolphin pool cleaner with a large filter basket. It’s ideal if your pool gets really dirty from leaves, twigs, and dirt.
The Triton PS is also great for those who are looking for a good quality Dolphin pool robot that costs less than $1,000.
7. Dolphin E10: for Above Ground Pools
The Dolphin E10 is designed for above-ground pools of up to 30 feet in length.
It’s a bit pricey compared to other above-ground pool cleaners but provides more power and better cleaning performance. It also comes with some of the smart features normally found in high-end in-ground Dolphin models.
Key Features
CleverClean smart navigation: The E10 scans your pool and picks the best pattern to reduce cleaning time, save energy and provide 100% coverage. It can clean a 30-foot above ground pool in just 90 minutes.
Active brushing: A fast-spinning brush removes algae and debris on the pool surface. This not only keeps your pool cleaner and healthier, but also lowers chlorine demand.
Top-access filter basket: When the robot is done cleaning, it takes only a couple of seconds to pop open the top-access doors and remove the filter basket. Hosing down the basket and popping it back is quick and easy.
Easy-lift: The robot is designed to release water quickly to make it easier to lift it out of the pool.
Limitations
- Only comes with a standard fine filter which is not very effective against fine debris like dust and sand. You have to buy the ultra-fine filter separately to get your pool clean.
- No swivel cord. The cable can sometimes get twisted.
The Dolphin E10 is Best for You If…
You are looking for a capable Dolphin robotic pool cleaner for your above-ground swimming pool.
8. Dolphin Escape: for Larger Above Ground Pools
If the Dolphin E-10 is not quite powerful enough for your pool, the Dolphin Escape offers more power and slightly better performance.
It’s designed for above-ground pools of up to 30 feet in length or diameter.
Key Features
SmartNav 2.0 navigation: The Dolphin Escape maps your pool to calculate the best cleaning pattern and ensure it doesn’t miss a spot.
HyperBrush: A single fast-spinning brush does a great job removing dirt and grime on the pool floor. If your pool has an algae problem, the Dolphin Escape will help.
Large filter cartridge: The top-access filter basket can hold a surprisingly large amount of debris. It’s also easy to remove and clean.
Hypergrip Continuous Tracks: Unlike most above-ground pool robots that move on wheels, the Dolphin escape uses rubber tracks. They provide a stronger grip and better mobility on all kinds of pool surfaces.
Lightweight design: You won’t have a problem lifting the Escape out of the water thanks to its lightweight build.
Limitations
- Like the Dolphin E10, the Escape comes only with a standard fine filter. If your pool gets a lot of dust and sand, you’ll need to purchase the ultra-fine filter separately.
- The non-swivel cable can sometimes get twisted.
The Dolphin Escape is Best for You If…
You are looking for a powerful and reliable Dolphin pool cleaner for your above ground pool.
9. Most Advanced: DOLPHIN Nautilus CC Supreme
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme improves the cleaning performance of the Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus and adds several new features, including WiFi connectivity.
If you don’t mind the higher price tag, it is one of the best-cleaning robotic pool cleaners for in-ground swimming pools up to 50′.
Key Features
Triple scrubbing brushes: The Nautilus CC Supreme has one more scrubbing brush than the CC Plus. The third brush is a high-speed scrubber that dislodges algae, dirt, and stubborn grime from the walls and floor of your pool.
Fine and Ultrafine filters: Most robotic pool cleaners leave fine silt at the bottom of your pool for the pool filter to deal with. Not so with the Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme. It comes with two filter cartridges: fine and ultra-fine. This allows it to pick all kinds of debris, from leaves to fine sand, from the pool. In addition to leaving the pool cleaner, it reduces the burden on the pool filter.
WiFi connected: We typically don’t rank fancy tech like WiFi and Bluetooth on robotic pool cleaners highly. That’s mostly because they tend to be more of a frustration than a useful feature. But the Supreme’s WiFi connectivity actually works. It’s easy to connect the robot to your smartphone. You can then control and monitor the pool cleaner from anywhere using the easy-to-use MyDolphin Plus app.
Three cleaning modes: One of the things you can do through the app is select a cleaning cycle. Options include Quick (1.5hrs), Standard (2.5hrs), and Enhanced (3.5hrs). Other options on the app include delay start and spot cleaning (where you navigate the robot manually from the app).
Advanced scheduler: Instead of the usual weekly scheduler found in other Dolphin pool cleaners, the Nautilus CC Supreme offers a more customizable scheduling option. You can set the days you want the Supreme to clean the pool and the specific start time for each day. This is much more flexible than the daily, every other day, and every third-day options other pool robots offer.
Limitations
- The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is one of the most expensive robotic pool cleaners in the market. If you are shopping for a budget robotic pool cleaner, this is not it.
- Has trouble cleaning steps – a common problem for all robotic pool cleaners.
- WiFi connectivity doesn’t offer any smart home integration, a missed opportunity. But this is a feature the manufacturer could add later.
The Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme is Best For You If…
You are shopping for a high-performance robotic pool cleaner with WiFi connectivity.
10. Best for Smaller Inground Pools: DOLPHIN Proteus DX3
If you have a swimming pool that’s less than 33′ long, you can save quite a bit of money by opting for a cheaper robotic pool cleaner designed for smaller pools.
Most Dolphin robotic pool cleaners are designed for large in-ground pools up to 50 feet long. For half the price of premium Dolphin models, the DOLPHIN Proteus DX3 cleans pools up to 33 feet long.
Key Features
CleverClean navigation: The Proteus DX3 relies on smart CleverClean scanning and navigation to cover the entire pool and navigate around obstacles. Note that the DX3 only cleans the floor and walls. It does not scrub the waterline.
Large filter basket: An oversize top-access filter basket holds plenty of debris. Most pool owners using the DX3 say they’ve never had to empty the basket midway through the cleaning. You only need to empty the debris and hose down the basket at the end of the cycle. The basket contains fine filters that are able to collect most debris apart from the finest particles of silt and sand.
Scrubbing brush: The DX3 doesn’t rely on vacuuming only to clean the pool. A scrubbing brush at the front of the robot dislodges debris stuck on the pool surface, particularly algae, for easier vacuuming. This saves you the trouble of having to brush your pool manually. Even if your pool is very dirty (e.g. when opening it for the season), running the DX3 for 2-3 cycles is enough to get it sparkling clean.
Weekly scheduler: Using buttons on the power unit, you can set the Proteus DX3to automatically clean your pool daily, every other day, or every third day. Of course, you have to leave the cleaner in the pool to enjoy this feature (remove it when adding chemicals or swimming).
Limitations
- Not ideal for large pools that are more than 33′ long.
- Only one scrubbing brush. Pool robots with 2 or 3 brushes clean the pool better and faster.
- Doesn’t scrub the waterline. Also struggles with steps.
The DOLPHIN Proteus DX3 is Best For You If…
You are looking for an affordable robotic pool cleaner for a smaller pool (under 33′ ).
Dolphin Pool Cleaner Buying Guide
Dolphin pool cleaners are some of the best options on the market that keep your pool looking sparkling clean.
But there are many dolphin pool cleaners, making it confusing to decide which one works best for you. This guide lets you know why choosing a Dolphin robotic cleaner is a good idea, how to choose the right model, and much more.
Why Choose a Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaner?
Don’t risk sinking hundreds of dollars into a brand that will cause constant trouble and may not even clean your pool well. Reliable performance and design make Dolphin pool vacuums one of the best robotic pool cleaners on the market.
How to Choose the Dolphin Robotic Pool Cleaner
Type of pool: What matters is the length of your pool and whether it is an above-ground or in-ground pool. Dolphin makes excellent in-ground or above-ground vacuum robots you can choose from.
Cleaning performance: For the best cleaning performance, get a dolphin robotic pool cleaner with smart navigation (such as CleverClean or SmartNav), a scrubbing brush or two (like the dolphin premier robotic pool cleaner or three like the Nautilus CC Supreme), powerful suction, and a fine filter cartridge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolphin Pool Cleaners
Are Dolphin robot pool cleaners any good?
Dolphin pool cleaners are some of the best pool vacuum robots you can get your hands on. They are known for their excellent cleaning performance, ease of use, low maintenance, and durability. Not to mention, their value for money makes them some of the best robotic pool cleaners in the market.
How much does a dolphin pool cleaner cost?
Dolphin pool cleaners are generally more expensive than other brands such as Aquabot. Top in-ground cleaners like the Dolphin Sigma and Quantum cost over $1,000 with some priced as high as $1,500.
Mid-range models like the Dolphin Triton PS and Nautilus CC Plus are a bit cheaper. They range between $700-$900.
Above-ground Dolphin pool cleaners start at around $400.
Can I leave my dolphin pool cleaner in the pool?
Yes, it is safe to leave your Dolphin pool cleaner in the pool after it has finished cleaning. But you should remove it when you are adding pool chemicals.
How long do Dolphin pool cleaners last?
According to Maytronics, the manufacturer, Dolphin pool cleaners have an average lifespan of five to seven years.
Can a Dolphin pool cleaner work in a pond or hot tub?
No. Dolphin cleaners are designed specifically for use in swimming pools.
How do Dolphin pool cleaners work?
Like other robotic pool cleaners, Dolphin pool cleaners work by creating a suction that pulls debris-containing water through filters in the cleaner. Water comes out the other end by debris is trapped in the filter basket.
Dolphin pool cleaners also have scrubbing brushes that dislodge dirt and algae stuck on the pool surface for easier vacuuming.
